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Topic Review (Newest First)

01-24-2014 01:48 AM

Disher

Thanks for the write up. You've saved a lot of people some money!

01-19-2014 10:06 AM

Down_Shift

wow great job on the lily. they won't crack like glass too and even if it does, you can always make another

01-15-2014 02:40 AM

PondInsider

Decided to go with some custom acrylic work on an indoor pond I have, as well as on a small nano planted tank I am working on. So here is my first finished product (Second attempt) at an acrylic drop checker.

Basically I took a piece of acrylic tubing, heated it in the middle and slowly pulled the two pieces apart, allowing the tube to seal. Then I blew out the bubble and used salt to help the bend not deform. In the future I wouldn't use salt again, but instead heat the bend a little hotter than before, slowly make the bend while continuing to heat it, then blow the bend out gently to correct the kink.

Also as another piece of advice, the best way I have found so far to cut the piping (No cracking at all) is to use a Jeweler's Saw and a #2 blade. The blades are very fragile so you may go through a few, but they are meant to cut soft metals and have very very fine teeth, so dont run that much of a risk of cracking the acrylic.

Let me know what you think!

09-10-2013 02:17 AM

Subtletanks91

So even the connector that connects the hose to the outflow won't connect to a diy lily pipe?

This is simply amazing. After reading this I want to make my own spray bar and Lilly pipe for the fluval 405 but I have the rigid hose do you think the pipe and bar will fit snug into the grey connected on the hose?

Simply answered, NO. You will need to get some 5/8" ID (inner diameter) hose (this works for 305, IDK if the 405 hose is bigger) from the tool store or maybe your LFS carries some. Simple to attach and get running again, did it for my Cerges reactor, worked like a charm.

09-09-2013 06:54 AM

Subtletanks91

This is simply amazing. After reading this I want to make my own spray bar and Lilly pipe for the fluval 405 but I have the rigid hose do you think the pipe and bar will fit snug into the grey connected on the hose?

03-20-2013 01:40 AM

GJL Creative Solutions

Well, I've gathered all the items I need. Luckily here in San Diego we have a place called Ridout Plastics that had everything I needed! Saved me some shipping. I picked up a Exacto Razor Saw to do the cutting and a 7 in 1 Emory board for the polishing

Wish me luck

01-23-2013 01:40 PM

brinks

Smooth ends on lily pipes

If the tube you are using works the same as plexiglas after you cut the bulb in two and smooth the edge with sand paper, heating the raw edge will melt it slightly and it will be smooth and clear. Try it on a scrap piece. Great write up.